Brownfields
Brownfields are abandoned, idle or under-used industrial and commercial properties where reuse of redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields program helps return such properties to commerce. South Central Planning and Development Commission (SCPDC) has two EPA Brownfields grants to fund Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments of hazardous and petroleum sites in our region. Assessments of both private and public properties can be funded. To receive assistance, local property owners and developers voluntarily enter their sites into the program.
Why do an environmental assessment?There are many reasons. An assessment provides the property owner and potential buyers with definite answers on possible contamination, as well as an evaluation of potential risks and liability. In addition, a buyer who did not contribute to contamination can avoid liability for cleanup if an assessment is conducted prior to purchase.
Who pays for the assessment?SCPDC can pay for both Phase I and Phase II assessments within our region. For the next two years (January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009), the State of Louisiana will also allow a 15% State Tax Credit for environmental investigation of Brownfields sites.
What happens in an assessment?Phase I and Phase II assessments are conducted by environmental professionals retained by SCPDC. Phase I includes visual inspection; review of historical information and real estate transactions; and interviews with people knowledgeable about the property. If no further action is required, a letter or statement to that effect is generally acceptable to banks involved in financing.
Phase II is triggered when a Phase I assessment finds environmental issues. A Phase II investigation includes soil and water samples; analysis of samples; and determining need for cleanup or risk management.
What if cleanup is required? Who pays? SCPDC’s Brownfields grant funds cannot be used for cleanup. However, for the next two years (January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009) Louisiana will allow a 50% State Tax Credit for Brownfields cleanup. This will cut the cost of cleanup in half.
To learn more, contact Jo-Anna Jones at SCPDC or attend a quarterly regional Brownfields Coalition meeting. Dates and times of quarterly meeting will be posted here.
Meeting Notices
Notice of Public Meeting
South Central Planning and Development Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Thursday, November 6, 2008 to discuss the South Louisiana Coalition Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund application for FY09 brownfields funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The meeting will take place at the South Central Planning building, 5058 West Main Street in Gray, LA. A draft of the grant proposal will be available for comment. If you have any questions, please contact Jo-Anna Jones at 985-851-2900 or via email at jones@scpdc.org. Disabled persons requiring reasonable accommodations to participate are asked to contact SCPDC no later than Monday, November 3, 2008 to discuss their particular needs.
Notice of Public Meeting
South Central Planning and Development Commission will hold a public meeting Thursday, November 6, 2008 to discuss the Brownfields Assessment application for FY09 brownfields funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The meeting will take place at the South Central Planning building, 5058 West Main Street in Gray, LA. A draft of the grant proposal will be available for comment. If you have any questions, please contact Jo-Anna Jones at 985-851-2900 or via email at jones@scpdc.org. Disabled persons requiring reasonable accommodations to participate are asked to contact SCPDC no later than Monday, November 3, 2008 to discuss their particular needs.
Documents
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Public Notice Request for Qualifications